E-Mailing a Coworker

E! Of course, the day I have to leave early for Danny's soccer game is the day you-know-who has to start running his mouth. Can you believe how looooong that meeting was?! It was supposed to be 30 min! 3href>I'm never going to get through all this paperwork before I leave. Plus I have to sneak out this afternoon to pick up a gift for Jack's parents (it's their 50th tonight!) and you know how they never like what I get them.... BTW, you'll never guess what Jenna told me about her new boss. Turns out she's connected — she used to be married to that guy who works on the second floor next to Jeremy's cubicle! WONDER IF THAT'S HOW SHE GOT THE JOB!4href>

Jennie

1.name> Be responsible. Work e-mail is a public document: If you wouldn't write it in a memo and hang it on the bulletin board, don't put it in an email. E-gossip about colleagues could have nasty repercussions, like costing you your job. And what's to stop your pal from forwarding it to other people? Gossip in person, after hours — or better yet, not at all.

2.name> Hello, subject? Leaving the header blank is a no-no, even for a social e-mail. Without some clue as to the nature or urgency of the message, it's easy for the receiver to skip right over it. It also forces someone who is busy to stop and open a message that could easily wait for the end of the day.

3.name> Nix the rambling. Sounds like this employee sees work as her last priority — which is exactly what the company will think if they screen this e-mail. Also, even in casual communication, partial thoughts and rambling run-ons are confusing. Full sentences (short ones are best) make for smoother, faster communication.

4.name> No yelling, please! Typing in all caps is the e-mail equivalent of shouting at someone.

Next: E-Mailing Your Boss

E-Mailing Your Boss

3href>Hey there! Been a while since we talked about my performance. Even though last year was tough ecomoncially, I managed to Bring in three new clients. 4href>I haven't had one congratulations in 12 months! I am currently mkaing $45,000, which is only slightly more than what I mnade5href> the last two years. Since reviews are coming up, I wanted to let you know I'mcounting on a big raise this year.

Let's talk.
—G

1.name> Beware the "cc" tactic. Copying your boss's boss on your e-mail as a way of pressuring for an answer is not a good idea. First of all, you'll annoy your boss, and second, if your e-mail is out of line (which this one is), you'll embarrass yourself in front of two superiors, instead of just one.

2.name> Don't hide behind e-mail. It is rarely — if ever — appropriate to discuss salary, promotions, or confidential company information over e-mail. Instead, send a one-line message: "I'd like to schedule a meeting about my performance. Thanks."

3.name> Be careful with the casual attitude. Even in an e-mail, you should address certain people respectfully — your boss, a client, or anyone in senior management ("Dear Bob" or even sometimes just "Bob," but never "Hey there!"). Depending on the formality of your workplace, you may not need a greeting at all — but you'll never go wrong by including one, and all people, including managers, appreciate signs of respect. You can be more casual with coworkers.

4.name> Watch the whining. When communicating with the boss, tone is everything. Are you presenting problems without offering solutions? Are you complaining about something beyond the boss's control? Convey a clear message, and don't use e-mail to vent about every shortcoming of your company.

5.name> Spelling counts (so does grammar). Just because the language in an e-mail is looser than in a formal memo doesn't mean anything goes. Proofread your message and use spell check. A typo-laden e-mail makes you look sloppy and unprofessional.

what's up ladies?! I haven't talked to some of you in ages, 2href>but someone just sent me this joke and I knew it was too good not to share. 3href>Pass it on to 10 of your closest friends, esp. those who need (::[]::), or you will be cursed for life! This y/x:-)4href> walks into a bar and sees this really pretty woman. His wife told him he can't kiss anyone on the lips, so he asks if he can KOTC. She says sure ;). So he grabs her hips. She says what are u doing? And he says, well, u said I could kiss your cheek, but you didn't say which one! LOL! Best joke in a while. Miss u lots. Let's get together this summer!

-JJ

1.name> Don't show addresses. Privacy is important. When you send group mailings, it's likely that you are exposing everyone's e-mail address. No big deal? Think again. Some people equate this with giving their home phone number to a telemarketer, so before you include someone in your group list, ask permission. Better yet, some e-mail programs allow you to set up group mailings that do not display individual e-mail addresses to others.

2.name> Jokes aren't for everyone. What's funny to you might offend someone else — even a friend or family member — so carefully consider to whom you are sending anything off-color. If you haven't shared a laugh over this kind of material before, think twice before firing off the e-mail.

3.name> Chain e-mails are annoying. People who are inundated with electronic messages often feel bothered, not flattered, when they receive pass-along jokes and chain letters. Check with the recipient before sending messages of this nature.

4.name> What the heck are you saying? Keep emoticons and acronyms to a minimum. Many people are unfamiliar with e-mail slang and find it annoying. Save these gimmicks for the true techies in your life.